U.S. patent number 10,061,238 [Application Number 15/069,159] was granted by the patent office on 2018-08-28 for image forming apparatus with fuser driver and method for controlling thereof.
This patent grant is currently assigned to S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.. The grantee listed for this patent is S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Sung-kyu Choi, Chang-su Ma, Young-jun Song.
United States Patent |
10,061,238 |
Song , et al. |
August 28, 2018 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Image forming apparatus with fuser driver and method for
controlling thereof
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a fuser configured to fuse
printing paper where a toner has been developed; and a fuser driver
configured to provide power being provided from an external AC to a
heating element inside the fuser so that the fuser has a
predetermined temperature, wherein, in response to an operational
state of the image forming apparatus being at a waiting state, the
fuser driver performs a phase control on the power being provided
to the heating element using AC power of sections other than a
phase angle of a range predetermined based on a peak voltage value
of the external AC power.
Inventors: |
Song; Young-jun (Seoul,
KR), Ma; Chang-su (Yongin-si, KR), Choi;
Sung-kyu (Pyeongtaek-si, KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.
(Suwon-si, KR)
|
Family
ID: |
58522961 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/069,159 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170108806 A1 |
Apr 20, 2017 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Oct 20, 2015 [KR] |
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10-2015-0146110 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G
15/205 (20130101); G03G 15/2053 (20130101); G03G
15/5004 (20130101); G03G 15/80 (20130101); G03G
15/2039 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G03G
15/20 (20060101); G03G 15/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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03221983 |
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Sep 1991 |
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JP |
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08123245 |
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May 1996 |
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JP |
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2001305905 |
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Nov 2001 |
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JP |
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Other References
JP_2001305905_A_T Machine Translation 2001 Oshima Japan. cited by
examiner .
JP_08123245A_T Machine Translation Shiina 1996 Japan. cited by
examiner .
JP_03221983_A_T Machine Translation Aoki 1991 Japan. cited by
examiner .
JP_2001305905_A_T Machine Translation 2001 Oshima. cited by
examiner .
JP_08123245_A_T Machine Translation Shiina 1996 Japan. cited by
examiner .
Samsung Smart MultiXpress 7 Press Release dated May 26, 2015, 2
pages. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Verbitsky; Victor
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Staas & Halsey LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fuser to fuse developed
toner in the image forming apparatus onto a printing paper, and
including a heating element; and a processor to generate a driving
signal and control to selectively provide alternating current (AC)
power to the heating element of the fuser according to the
generated driving signal, wherein the processor identifies a phase
angle of the received AC power using a zero cross signal, wherein
the phase angle of the received AC power is comprised of a first
range of the phase angle, a second range of the phase angle, and a
third range of the phase angle, wherein the second range of the
phase angle and the third range of the phase angle do not overlap
the first range of the phase angle, and the first range of the
phase angle is between the second range of the phase angle and the
third range of the phase angle, wherein the first range of the
phase angle includes a peak voltage value and is symmetric about
the peak voltage value, and wherein AC power of the first range of
the phase angle has a current change greater than a predetermined
value that causes flickering and noise, wherein the second range of
the phase angle is symmetric to the third range of the phase angle
with respect to the peak voltage value, and wherein AC power of the
second range of the phase angle has a current change smaller than
the predetermined value that does not cause flickering and noise,
and AC power of the third range of the phase angle has a current
change smaller than the predetermined value and does not cause
flickering and noise, wherein, in a waiting state of the image
forming apparatus, the processor generates the driving signal while
the received AC power is within the second range of the phase angle
or the third range of the phase angle, and avoids generating the
driving signal while the received AC power is within the first
range of the phase angle, and wherein the first range of the phase
angle is from 75 to 105 degrees.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in a printing state
of the image forming apparatus, the processor generates the driving
signal while the received AC power is within the range of the phase
angle including the first range of the phase angle.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
temperature sensor to sense a temperature of the fuser, wherein, in
response to a temperature of the fuser being in a first temperature
range, the processor performs a phase control on the power to be
provided to the heating element, and in response to the temperature
of the fuser being in a second temperature range higher than the
first temperature range, the processor performs a waveform number
control on the power to be provided to the heating element.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the phase angle of
the received AC power further comprises a fourth range of the phase
angle, the fourth range of the phase angle includes another peak
voltage value and is symmetric about the another peak voltage
value, and AC power of the fourth range of the phase angle has a
current change greater than the predetermined value that causes
flickering and noise, and the fourth range of the phase angle is
from 255 degrees to 285 degrees.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of switches; wherein the heating element comprises a
first heating element and a second heating element, the plurality
of switches change a connection state of the first heating element
and second heating element to be in series or in parallel, and the
processor controls the plurality of switches such that, in the
waiting state of the image forming apparatus, the first heating
element and the second heating element are connected in series, and
in a printing state of the image forming apparatus, the first
heating element and the second heating element are connected in
parallel.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an
inputter to receive the AC power; a zero cross sensor to sense a
zero cross point of the received AC power; a temperature sensor to
sense a temperature of the fuser; and a switch to selectively
provide the power to the heating element, wherein the processor
controls an operation of the switch using the sensed zero cross
point and the sensed temperature of the fuser.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fuser controller
compares the sensed temperature and a predetermined target
temperature and computes a duty ratio, calculates a time point to
control a phase of the power to be provided to the fuser using the
computed duty ratio and sensed zero cross point, and controls the
switch based on the calculated time point.
8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, in response to the
sensed temperature being greater than or equal to a predetermined
temperature, the processor performs a waveform number control on
the AC power to be provided to the heating element.
9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the switch is a
triode for alternating current (TRIAC).
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a coil
arranged between the switch and the heating element.
11. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor
further comprises a rectifier to wave-rectify the received AC power
and a coil arranged between the input and rectifier, and wherein
the switch is a field-effect transistor.
12. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fuser to fuse
developed toner in the image forming apparatus onto a printing
paper, and including a first heating element and a second heating
element; and a fuser driver to receive alternating current (AC)
power and selectively provide power to the first heating element
and the second heating element so that the fuser reaches a
predetermined temperature, wherein, in a waiting state of the image
forming apparatus, the fuser driver connects the first heating
element and the second heating element in series, and in a printing
state of the image forming apparatus, the fuser driver connects the
first heating element and the second heating element in parallel,
and wherein the fuser driver comprises: a temperature sensor to
sense a temperature of the fuser; an inputter to receive the AC
power; a coil connected to one end of the inputter; a first switch
arranged between the coil and a first end of the first heating
element, and to selectively provide the power to the first heating
element; a second switch arranged between the coil and a first end
of the second heating element, and to selectively provide the power
to the second heating element; a third switch to selectively
connect a second end of the first heating element with a second end
of the second heating element; a fourth switch to selectively
connect the second end of the first heating element with the first
end of the second heating element; and a fuser controller to, in
the waiting state, control the fourth switch to maintain a turn-on
state, and the second switch and third switch to maintain a
turn-off state, and control the first switch according to the
sensed temperature, and in the printing state, control the third
switch to maintain a turn-on state, and fourth switch to maintain a
turn-off state, and control the first switch and second switch
separately according to the sensed temperature.
13. A driving control method of a fuser of an image forming
apparatus, the method comprising: sensing a temperature of the
fuser; generating a driving signal based on the sensed temperature;
and selectively providing power to a heating element of the fuser
according to the generated driving signal; wherein the generating
the driving signal includes identifying a phase angle of received
AC power using a zero cross signal, wherein the phase angle of the
received AC power is comprised of a first range of the phase angle,
a second range of the phase angle, and a third range of the phase
angle, wherein the second range of the phase angle and the third
range of the phase angle do not overlap the first range of the
phase angle, and the first range of the phase angle is between the
second range of the phase angle and the third range of the phase
angle, wherein the first range of the phase angle includes a peak
voltage value and is symmetric about the peak voltage value, and
wherein AC power of the first range of the phase angle has a
current change greater than a predetermined value that causes
flickering and noise, wherein the second range of the phase angle
is symmetric to the third range of the phase angle with respect to
the peak voltage value, and wherein AC power of the second range of
the phase angle has a current change smaller than the predetermined
value that does not cause flickering and noise, and AC power of the
third range of the phase angle has a current change smaller than
the predetermined value and does not cause flickering and noise,
wherein the generating the driving signal comprises, in a waiting
state of the image forming apparatus, generating the driving signal
by using received AC power of the second range of the phase angle
and the third range of the phase angle, and avoiding generating the
driving signal by using the received AC power of the first range of
the phase angle, and wherein the first range of the phase angle is
from 75 to 105 degrees.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the generating the
driving signal includes, in a printing state of the image forming
apparatus, generating the driving signal by using the received AC
power of the range of the phase angle including the first range of
the phase angle.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the generating the
driving signal includes, in response to the temperature of the
fuser being in a first temperature range, performing a phase
control on the power being provided to the heating element to
generate the driving signal, and in response to the temperature of
the fuser being a second temperature range higher than the first
temperature range, performing a waveform number control on the
power being provided to the heating element to generate the driving
signal.
16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the phase angle of
the received AC power further comprises a fourth range of the phase
angle, the fourth range of the phase angle includes another peak
voltage value and is symmetric about the another peak voltage
value, and AC power of the fourth range of the phase angle has a
current change greater than the predetermined value that causes
flickering and noise, and the fourth range of the phase angle is
from 255 degrees to 285 degrees.
17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising sensing a
zero cross point of the received power, wherein the generating the
driving signal includes generating the driving signal using the
sensed zero cross point.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the generating the
driving signal includes comparing the sensed temperature and a
predetermined target temperature to compute a duty ratio,
calculating a time point to control a phase of the power to be
provided to the fuser using the computed duty ratio and sensed zero
cross point, and generating the driving signal based on the
calculated time point.
19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the heating element
comprises a first heating element and a second heating element, and
the selectively providing the power includes, in the waiting state
of the image forming apparatus, connecting the first heating
element and second heating element in series, and in a printing
state of the image forming apparatus, connecting the first heating
element and the second heating element in parallel.
20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second range of
the phase angle encompasses a range in degrees equal to a range in
degrees encompassed by the third range of the phase angle, and the
first range of the phase angle encompasses a range in degrees less
than the range of degrees encompassed by the second range of the
phase angle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.
10-2015-0146110, filed on Oct. 20, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
The following description relates to an image forming apparatus and
a controlling method thereof, and more particularly, to an image
forming apparatus capable of preventing noise while satisfying
flicker standards, and a controlling method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
An image forming apparatus refers to an apparatus configured to
print on printing paper print data generated in a printing control
terminal apparatus such as a computer. Examples of such an image
forming apparatus include a copy machine, printer, facsimile, and
an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that provides all the functions
of a copy machine, printer, and facsimile through one device.
An image forming apparatus is capable of forming an image in
various methods. One of those methods is the electrophotography
method. The electrophotography method includes electrifying a
photosensitive body, forming a latent image through light exposure,
performing a developing operation of applying a toner on the latent
image, transcribing the developed toner on printing paper, and
fusing the same, thereby forming an image.
Thus, an image forming apparatus may adopt a configuration for
ultimately fusing an image on printing paper. This configuration is
referred to as a fuser.
Meanwhile, electric, electronic, and communication devices must
satisfy various EMC standards, among which harmonic standards and
flicker standards are related to fusing operations of the image
forming apparatus.
In order to satisfy the aforementioned flicker standards, a phase
control may be used in a fuser, but conventional phase control
methods lead to rapid current changes (di/dt) in harmonic inductors
mounted to satisfy the harmonic standards, thereby generating
noise, which is a problem.
Therefore, there is needed a method for driving a fuser with
reduced noise while satisfying the flicker standards.
SUMMARY
Additional aspects and/or advantages will be set forth in part in
the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from
the description, or may be learned by practice of the
disclosure.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing noise
while satisfying the flicker standards, and a controlling method
thereof.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image
forming apparatus includes a fuser configured to fuse printing
paper where a toner has been developed; and a fuser driver
configured to provide power being provided from an external AC to a
heating element inside the fuser so that the fuser has a
predetermined temperature, wherein, in response to an operational
state of the image forming apparatus being at a waiting state, the
fuser driver performs a phase control on the power being provided
to the heating element using AC power of sections other than a
phase angle of a range predetermined based on a peak voltage value
of the external AC power.
In this case, in response to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus being at a printing state, the fuser driver may
perform a phase control on power being provided to the heating
element using AC power of all sections.
Meanwhile, in response to a temperature of the fuser being in a
first temperature range, the fuser driver may perform a phase
control on the AC power being provided to the heating element, and
in response to the temperature of the fuser being in a second
temperature range that is higher than the first temperature range,
the fuser driver may perform a waveform number control on the AC
power being provided to the heating element.
Meanwhile, the fuser driver may perform a phase control such that
the AC power is not provided to the heating element in sections
where the phase of the external AC power is 75 to 105 degrees and
255 degrees to 285 degrees.
Meanwhile, the heating element may include a first heating element
and a second heating element, and the image forming apparatus may
further include a plurality of switching elements for changing a
connection state of the first heating element and second heating
element with the external power to be in series or in parallel, and
the fuser driver may control the plurality of switching elements
such that, in response to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus being at a waiting state, the first heating
element and second heating element are connected to the external
power in series, and in response to the operational state of the
image forming apparatus being at a printing state, the first
heating element and second heating element are connected to the
external power in parallel.
Meanwhile, the fuser driver may include an input configured to
receive input of external AC power; a zero cross sensor configured
to sense a zero cross point of the input AC power, temperature
sensor configured to sense a temperature of the fuser; a switching
element configured to selectively output the input AC power to the
heating element; and a fuser controller configured to control
operations of the switching element using the sensed zero cross
point and sensed temperature of the fuser.
Meanwhile, the fuser controller may compare the sensed temperature
and predetermined target temperature and compute a duty value,
calculate a phase control time of the AC power to be provided to
the fuser using the computed duty value and sensed zero cross
point, and control the switching element based on the calculated
phase control time.
Meanwhile, in response to the sensed temperature being the same or
above a predetermined temperature range, the fuser controller may
perform a waveform number control regarding the AC power being
provided to the heating element.
Meanwhile, the switching element may be a TRIAC.
Meanwhile, the fuser driver may further include a coil arranged
between the switching element and heating element.
Meanwhile, the fuser driver may further include a rectifier
configured to wave-rectify the input external AC; and a coil
arranged between the input end and rectifier, wherein the switching
element is a field-effect transistor.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image
forming apparatus includes a fuser configured to fuse printing
paper where a toner has been developed; and a fuser driver
configured to provide power being provided from an external AC to a
first heating element and second heating element inside the fuser
so that the fuser has a predetermined temperature, wherein, in
response to an operational state of the image forming apparatus
being at a waiting state, the fuser driver connects the first
heating element and second heating element in series and provides
the external AC, and in response to the operational state of the
image forming apparatus being at a printing state, the fuser driver
connects the first heating element and second heating element in
parallel and provides the external AC.
Meanwhile, the fuse driver may include a temperature sensor
configured to sense a temperature of the fuser, an input configured
to receive input of the external AC, a coil connected to one end of
the input, a first switching element arranged between the coil and
first heating element and configured to selectively provide the
external AC to the first heating element, a second switching
element arranged between the coil and second heating element and
configured to selectively provide the external AC to the second
heating element, a third switching element configured to
selectively connect another end of the first heating element with
one end of the second heating element, a fourth switching element
configured to selectively connect another end of the first heating
element with another end of the input; and a fuser controller
configured to, in response to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus being at a waiting state, control the fourth
switching element to maintain a turn-on state, and the second
switching element and third switching element to maintain a
turn-off state, and control the first switching element according
to the sensed temperature, and in response to the operational state
of the image forming apparatus being at a printing state, control
the third switching element and fourth switching element to
maintain a turn-off state, and control the first switching element
and second switching element separately according to the sensed
temperature.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a driving
control method includes sensing a temperature of the fuser;
generating a driving signal based on the sensed temperature; and
providing external AC power selectively to a heating element of the
fuser according to the generated driving signal; wherein the
generating a driving signal involves, in response to an operational
state of an image forming apparatus being at a waiting state,
generating a driving signal using sections other than a phase angle
of a range predetermined based on a peak voltage value of the
external AC power.
Meanwhile, the generating a driving signal may involve, in response
to the operational state of the image forming apparatus being at a
printing state, generating a driving signal using AC power of all
sections.
Meanwhile, the generating a driving signal may involve, in response
to a temperature of the fuser being in a first temperature range,
performing a phase control on the AC power being provided to the
heating element to generate the driving signal, and in response to
the temperature of the fuser being in a second temperature range
that is higher than the first temperature range, performing a
waveform number control on the AC power being provided to the
heating element to generate the driving signal.
Meanwhile, the generating a driving signal may involve generating a
driving signal such that the AC power is not provided to the
heating element in sections where the phase of the external AC
power is 75 to 105 degrees and 255 degrees to 285 degrees.
Meanwhile, the method may further include sensing a zero cross
point of the external AC power, wherein the generating a driving
signal involves generating the driving signal using the sensed zero
cross point.
Meanwhile, the generating a driving signal may involve comparing
the sensed temperature and predetermined target temperature to
compute a duty value, calculating a phase control time of the AC
power to be provided to the fuser using the computed duty value and
sensed zero cross point, and generating the driving signal based on
the calculated phase control time.
Meanwhile, the heating element may include a first heating element
and a second heating element, and he providing external AC power
selectively may involve, in response to the operational state of
the image forming apparatus being at a waiting state, connecting
the first heating element and second heating element in series and
providing the external AC, and in response to the operational state
of the image forming apparatus being at a printing state,
connecting the first heating element and second heating element in
parallel and providing the external AC.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and/or other aspects of the present disclosure will be
more apparent by describing certain embodiments of the present
disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified configuration
of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
a fuser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining operations of a zero cross sensor
of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a phase control of
avoiding a predetermined phase according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of power being provided to a fuser of
a fuser according to an embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
a fuser according to an embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
a fuser according to an embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram power being provided to a fuser of a
fuser according to an embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
a fuser according to an embodiment; and
FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining a method for controlling
operations of a fuser according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples
of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The
embodiments are described below to explain the present disclosure
by referring to the figures.
Prior to specifically explaining the present disclosure, the method
of disclosing the present specification and the drawings will be
explained below.
First of all, the words used in the present specification and in
the claims were selected from generally used terms in consideration
of the functions of various embodiments of the present disclosure.
However, the meanings of these words may vary depending on the
intentions of one skilled in the art, technical interpretation, and
advent of a new technology. Furthermore, some of the words herein
may have been randomly selected by the applicant of this
specification. These words may be interpreted to mean as defined in
this specification, and unless there are specific definitions, they
may be interpreted based on the overall disclosure of the present
specification and the general technical common sense of one skilled
in the art.
Furthermore, like reference numerals in the drawings refer to like
parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.
For the sake of easy understanding an explanation, like reference
numerals will be used in different embodiments as well. That is,
even if like reference numerals are used in a plurality of
drawings, it does not necessarily mean that all the drawings belong
to the one same embodiment.
Furthermore, words that include ordinal numerals such as "the
first" and "the second" may be used to differentiate between the
components in this specification and in the claims. These ordinal
numerals are used to differentiate between the same or similar
components, and thus the use of such ordinal numerals is not
intended to limit the meanings of the words. For example, the order
of use or order of arrangement of a component combined with such an
ordinal numeral shall not be limited by that ordinal numeral. When
necessary, the ordinal numerals may be exchanged between one
another.
Unless mentioned otherwise, any singular expression includes a
plural expression. In the present application, words such as
"include" or "consist of" are used to designate that the
characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or a
combination thereof disclosed in the present specification exist,
but not to exclude the possibility of existence or addition of one
or more of other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations,
components, parts or a combination thereof.
Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a part
being connected to another part includes the part being connected
to the another part indirectly via another medium. Furthermore, a
part including another component means that any other component may
also be further included unless mentioned otherwise.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be
explained in further detail with reference to the drawings
attached.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified configuration
of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to
the present embodiment consists of a fuser 110 and fuser driver
200. Such an image forming apparatus 100 may be a printer, scanner,
copy machine, facsimile, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)
configured to provide all the functions of a printer, scanner, copy
machine, and facsimile through one apparatus.
The fuser 110 fuses printing paper on which a toner has been
developed. More specifically, the fuser 110 applies heat and
pressure to the printing paper to fuse the electrified toner on the
printing paper. Such a fuser 110 may include a heating roller and
pressurizing roller.
The heating roller may be heated to a predetermined temperature,
and heat the printing paper so that the electrified toner on the
printing paper may be easily fused.
Such a heating roller has a heating element (for example, heater
lamp) for heating a heating roller to a predetermined temperature.
There may be one heating element or a plurality of heating elements
in the heating roller. Such a heating element may be heated by the
power provided from a fuser driver 200 that will be explained
hereinafter.
A pressurizing roller is a roller configured to provide high
pressure on printing paper so that electrified toner may be easily
fused. The pressurizing roller is pressure-welded to a heating
roller and forms a nib.
The fuser driver 200 may be realized as a processor, ASIC, or CPU
and the like. The fuser driver 200 may control the power being
supplied to the heating element so that the heating roller has a
predetermined temperature state according to the operational state
of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, in response to the
image forming apparatus 100 being at a printing state, the fuser
driver 200 may control the power being supplied to the heating
element so that the heating roller has a predetermined temperature
necessary for fusing. In addition, even in response to the image
forming apparatus 100 being at a waiting state or preparation
state, for quick printing, the fuser driver 200 may control the
power being supplied to the heating element so that the heating
roller has a lower temperature than the temperature necessary for
fusing.
The fuser driver 200 may control the power being supplied to the
heating element in a suitable control method depending on the
temperature state of the fuser 110 and the operational state of the
image forming apparatus 100.
More specifically, in response to the operational state of the
image forming apparatus 100 being at an initial on state (or
preparation state), the fuser driver 200 may control the power
being supplied to the heating element in a phase control method of
avoiding a predetermined phase according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. Herein, the phase control involves performing a
phase control using the AC power of sections other than the phase
angle of a predetermined range on the basis of the peak power peak
value of an external AC power. This will be explained in more
detail with reference to FIG. 5 below.
Furthermore, in response to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus 100 being at a printing state, the fuser driver
200 may perform a phase control on the power being supplied to the
heating element using all sections of the AC power.
Furthermore, the fuser driver 200 may control the power being
supplied to the heating element in different control methods
depending on the temperature of the fuser 110 (more specifically
heating roller). More specifically, in response to the temperature
of the fuser 110 being in a first temperature range, it is possible
to perform a phase control regarding the AC power being provided to
the heating element, and in response to the temperature of the
fuser 110 being in a second temperature range that is higher than
the first temperature range, it is possible to perform a waveform
number control regarding the AC power being provided to the heating
element. Herein, the waveform number control is a method of
controlling such that a predetermined wave number is not provided
to the heating element of the AC power being provided to the
heating element. Meanwhile, even in the case of performing a
waveform number control, it is possible to sequentially change the
waveform number being transmitted.
Meanwhile, in the case where the fuser 110 has a plurality of
heating elements and it is possible to change the arrangement
format of the plurality of heating elements, in response to the
operational state of the image forming apparatus 100 being at a
waiting state, the fuser driver 200 may allow the plurality of
heating elements to be connected in series regarding the AC power,
and supply the power to the heating elements. In addition, in
response to the operational state of the image forming apparatus
100 being at a printing state, the fuser driver 200 may allow the
plurality of heating elements to be connected in parallel regarding
the AC power, and supply power to each of the plurality of heating
elements. This arrangement type will be explained in more detail
with reference to FIG. 8.
As aforementioned, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the
present embodiment is capable of either not providing the power of
a predetermined phase to a heating element at a preparation state
that consumes a lot of power or connecting a plurality of heating
elements in parallel to reduce the through-current being introduced
into the heating elements, thereby preventing flickering and
preventing noise from occurring in the inductor.
So far a simplified configuration of an image forming apparatus was
illustrated and explained, but when realizing the image forming
apparatus, various components may be further added. This will be
explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a
fuser 110, communication interface 120, display 130, manipulation
input 140, storage 150, image former 160, controller 170, and fuser
driver 200.
The fuser 110 and fuser driver 220 perform a fusing function. In
the image forming apparatus 100, only the fuser 110 and fuser
driver 200 may be referred to as the fuser, and the detailed
configuration and operations of the fuser will be explained with
reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.
The communication interface 120 may be connected to a terminal
apparatus (not illustrated) such as a mobile device (smart phone,
tablet PC), PC, notebook PC, PDA, and digital camera and the like,
and receive file and printing data from the terminal apparatus (not
illustrated). More specifically, the communication interface 120
may be formed to connect the image forming apparatus 100 to an
external apparatus, or to a terminal apparatus through LAN (Local
Area Network) and internet, or to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port
or wireless communication (for example, WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n, NFC,
Bluetooth) port.
The display 130 displays various pieces of information to be
provided in the image forming apparatus 100. More specifically, the
display 130 may display a user interface window from which various
functions provided by the image forming apparatus 100 may be
selected. Such a display 130 may be a monitor such as an LCD, CRT,
and OLED, or a touch screen capable of performing functions of the
manipulation input 140 to be explained at the same time.
Furthermore, the display 130 may display a control menu for
performing the functions of the image forming apparatus 100.
The manipulation input 140 may receive input by a user of selecting
a function or a control command regarding a function. Herein,
examples of the function include printing function, copying
function, scanning function, and facsimile transmitting function.
Such a manipulation input 140 may receive input through a control
menu being displayed on the display 130.
Such a manipulation input 140 may be realized as a plurality of
buttons, a keyboard, a mouse and the like. Otherwise, it may be
realized as a touch screen that may perform the functions of the
aforementioned display 130 at the same time.
The storage 150 may store printing data received through the
communication interface 120. Furthermore, the storage 150 may store
various fusing conditions (for example, temperature conditions
according to the operational state of the image forming apparatus
100). Such a storage 150 may be realized as a storage medium
provided inside the image forming apparatus 100, an external
storage medium, for example a removable disk including a USB
memory, a storage medium connected to the host, or a web server
through the network and the like.
The image former 160 may print printing data. More specifically,
the image former 160 may parse a file pre-stored in the storage 150
or printing data received from the terminal apparatus (not
illustrated), and may render the parsed data and then print the
rendered data on printing paper.
The controller 170 controls each component inside the image forming
apparatus 100. More specifically, the controller 170 may be
realized as a processor or CPU to determine the operational state
of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, in response to the
image forming apparatus 100 being initially turned on, or in
response to determining that a printing operation will start soon
(for example, when the user controlled the manipulation input or
received printing data), the controller 170 may determine that the
operational state of the image forming apparatus 100 is at a
preparation state (or ready state). Herein, the controller 170 may
control the fuser driver 200 to have a fusing temperature according
to an initial state.
Furthermore, in response to receiving printing data from outside
and determining that it is at a state where operations such as
parsing have been completed and thus a printing operation must
start, the controller 170 may determine that the operational state
of the image forming apparatus 100 is at a printing state. Herein,
the controller 170 may control the image former 160 to perform a
series of processes so that an electrified toner may be developed
on printing paper, and also control the fuser driver 200 to have a
temperature necessary for fusing. Furthermore, when the electrified
toner is developed on the printing paper, the controller 170 may
control the fuser 110 so that the electrified toner may be fused on
the printing paper.
Furthermore, when a predetermined time has passed after a printing
operation has been completed, the controller 170 may determine that
the operational state of the image forming apparatus 100 is at a
waiting mode. Herein, the controller 170 may control the fuser
driver 200 such that the fuser 100 maintains a temperature that is
lower than the temperature necessary for fusing.
Meanwhile, regarding FIGS. 1 and 2, it was explained that the fuser
driver 200 performs fusing functions according to controls made by
the controller 170, but the fuser driver 200 may be realized to
perform fusing functions according to controls made by the image
former 160 instead. Furthermore, the fuser driver 200 and fuser 110
may be realized as components provided inside the image former
160.
Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, only general functions of
the image forming apparatus 100 were illustrated and explained, but
the image forming apparatus 100 may further include a scanner
configured to perform scanning functions according to the functions
being provided by the image forming apparatus 100 and a fax
transceiver configured to perform fax transceiving functions
according to the functions being provided by the image forming
apparatus 100.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
a fuser according to an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 3, the fuser 300 includes a fuser 110, input (or
power supply) 210, circuit 220, temperature sensor 230, fuser
controller 240, electricity transmitter 250, and harmonic inductor
260.
The fuser 110 may include a heating element 111 configured to
receive power through the harmonic inductor 260, and a temperature
sensor 113 configured to sense the temperature of a heating roller
inside the fuser 110. Such a heating element 111 may be provided
with a heater lamp 112 configured to receive electric energy and
generate heat energy. In FIG. 3, the heating element and heater
lamp are illustrated separately, but for the sake of easy
explanation, the heating element and heater lamp will both be
referred to as a heating element without differentiation.
The input 210 receives external AC power, and provides the received
AC power to the circuit 220.
The circuit 220 may receive AC power from the input 210, sense a
zero cross point of the received AC power, and transmit the AC
power to the electricity transmitter 250 selectively, according to
controls made by the fuser controller 240. Such a circuit 220 may
include a zero cross sensor 221 and electricity switch 223.
The zero cross sensor 221 senses a zero cross point of the received
AC power. More specifically, the zero cross sensor 221 may include
a resistor and photocoupler.
The resistor is connected to the AC input 210 in parallel, and the
photocoupler may transmit the voltage being applied to the resistor
to the fuser controller 240 to be explained in an optical method. A
sense signal being output from such a zero cross sensor 221 may
have an analogue signal waveform of which the size has been reduced
than the received AC power. Hereinabove, it was explained that the
zero cross sensor 221 including a resistor and photocoupler is
used, but a zero cross may be sensed using another type of circuit
configuration.
The electricity switch 223 may selectively output the AC power
received in the input 210 to the heating element. More
specifically, the electricity switch 223 may include a TRIAC.
However, although the electricity switch hereinabove is configured
using a TRIAC, other types of configuration, such as a relay
switch, for example, may be adopted instead of the TRIAC as long as
it is capable of control switching of AC power.
The temperature sensor 230 senses the temperature of the fuser 110
based on a sensing value being received from the temperature sensor
113 provided inside the fuser 110. Herein, the temperature sensor
230 may provide a difference between a pre-stored target
temperature value and a sensed sensing value to the fuser
controller 240. However, in an embodiment, the sensed temperature
information may be provided to the fuser controller 240.
The fuser controller 240 controls operations of the electricity
switch 223 using the sensed zero cross point and the sensed
temperature of the fuser 110. More specifically, the fuser
controller 240 may include a zero cross convertor and detector 241
and CPU 243.
The zero cross convertor and detector 241 perceives the zero cross
point using the signal transmitted through the aforementioned zero
cross sensor 221. More specifically, the zero cross convertor and
detector 241 may receive a sine waveform of which the size has been
reduced through the sensor 221, and generate a digital square wave
reference signal from the analogue sine waveform signal.
The CPU 243 receives temperature information from the temperature
sensor 230. Herein, the CPU 243 may receive a difference value
between a target temperature value and the sensed temperature
value, in which case a duty value may be computed based on the
received information. However, the CPU 243 may be realized to
receive only a currently sensed temperature value from the
temperature sensor 230, arithmetize a pre-stored target value and
the sensed temperature value, and compute a duty value using the
result of arithmetization.
Furthermore, the CPU 243 may receive a reference signal of a square
wave that is the zero cross point from the zero cross convertor and
detector 241, and receive operational state information of the
image forming apparatus 100 from the controller 170 of the image
forming apparatus 100.
Furthermore, the CPU 243 may determine the method of controlling
the heating element according to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus 100 and the sensed temperature state of the fuser
110, and generate a driving signal to control the electricity
switch 223 according to the determined controlling method. More
specifically, in response to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus 100 being at a waiting state or preparation
state, the CPU 243 may generate a driving signal in a phase control
method of not using a predetermined phase. Furthermore, in response
to the temperature of the fuser 110 being the same or above a
predetermined temperature, the CPU 243 may generate a driving
signal in a waveform number control method.
Meanwhile, in response to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus 100 being at a printing state, the CPU 243 may
generate a driving signal in a phase control method using all the
phases of the AC.
Herein, the phase control method is a method of providing only a
predetermined phase of among the phases of the AC power to the
heating element. In the present embodiment, a phase control is
performed avoiding sections where currents change rapidly. More
specifically, it is possible to perform a phase control such that
the AC power is not provided to the heating element in a section
where the phase of the external AC power is approximately 75 to
approximately 105 degrees and approximately 225 to approximately
285 degrees. Below, operations of the CPU 243 in the case of
performing a phase control will be explained in detail.
In the case of being driven in a phase control method, the CPU 243
compares the temperature of the fuser 110 and the target
temperature to compute a duty value, and calculates a phase control
time of the AC power to be provided to the fuser 110 using a
previously sensed zero cross point. The CPU 243 may then generate a
driving signal based on the calculated phase control time. Herein,
as aforementioned, the CPU 243 may generate a driving signal
regarding sections other than a predetermined phase angle and not
all the phases of the AC power. This will be explained in more
detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 5.
Furthermore, in the case of being driven in a waveform number
control method, the CPU 243 may compare the temperature of the
fuser 110 and the target temperature to compute a waveform number
to be provided, calculate a waveform number time of the AC power to
be provided to the fuser 110 using a previously sensed zero cross
point, and generate a driving signal based on the calculated wave
number time.
The electricity transmitter 250 provides the AC power output from
the electricity switch 223 to the fuser 110 through the harmonic
inductor 260.
The harmonic inductor 260 provides the power transmitted from the
electricity transmitter 250 to the heating element 112 of the fuser
110. More specifically, for harmonic wave attenuation, the harmonic
inductor 260 may be arranged between the electricity transmitter
250 and fuser 110. However, although a harmonic inductor is used in
the illustrated embodiments, other elements that include a coil
such as an inductor or transformer may be used instead of the
harmonic inductor as long as harmonic wave attenuation is
possible.
As aforementioned, the fuser according to the present embodiment
300 does not provide a predetermined phase that consumes a lot of
power at a preparation state to the heating element, thereby
preventing flickering. Furthermore, because it provides power to
the heating element in a waveform number control method after an
initial driving, noise may be prevented from being generated in the
inductor.
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining operations of a zero cross sensor
of FIG. 3.
In the present embodiment, a phase control is used to control the
power being input to the heating element, and for such a phase
control, it is necessary to identify the exact phase of the AC
power being input. Accordingly, the present embodiment uses a zero
cross (ZC) signal. Herein, the ZC signal is a point where the power
peak value of the AC signal is 0, that is, a point where the AC
phase is 0 degrees or 180 degrees.
Referring to FIG. 4, the zero cross sensor 221 outputs a sensing
signal 401 of which the voltage size of the sine waveform has been
reduced using the resistor and photocoupler. The fuser controller
240 that received such a sensing signal may generate a digital
square wave reference signal 403 from the analogue sine waveform
signal received.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a phase control of avoiding a
predetermined phase according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 5, the AC power has a periodical phase angle of
0.about.360 degrees. Meanwhile, a range predetermined based on the
peak voltage value of the AC power (ex 90 degrees, 270 degrees) is
a section where current changes rapidly, and in this section a
phase control is performed such that the AC power (more
specifically, rectified AC power) is not transmitted to the heating
element. As such, because a switching element is not turned on in a
section having a large through current, it is not only possible to
prevent flickering, but also reduce noise in the inductor.
The aforementioned phase angle may be expressed in a predetermined
time from the zero cross. For example, in the case of 50 Hz AC, the
switching element may not be turned on in the .+-.1.5 ms section on
the basis of 5 ms in an AC half-wave. Meanwhile, in the case of 60
Hz Ac, the switching element may not be turned on in the .+-.1.245
ms section on the basis of 4.15 ms in an AC half-wave.
FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of the power being provided to a fuser
of a fuser according to an embodiment.
At an inrush current state in the case of controlling the power
being provided to the heating element, the fuser driver according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure 200 performs a mixed
phase and waveform control.
Referring to FIG. 6, at an initial state of driving (section A), it
is possible to perform a phase control of avoiding a predetermined
phase angle as in FIG. 5, and after the temperature of the fuser
110 is the same as or above a predetermined temperature (that is,
section B), it is possible to perform a waveform number
control.
The reason for mixing a phase and waveform number as aforementioned
is to reduce noise of the harmonic inductor by performing a phase
control and to reduce flickering by performing a waveform number
control. In other words, at an initial driving point where a lot of
flickering occurs, a phase control of not using a predetermined
phase may be performed, and after the fuser 110 is heated above a
predetermined temperature, a waveform number control may be
performed to reduce noise in the inductor.
Furthermore, the number of times of control may be changed from
every 50 Hz to less than every 30 Hz to prevent noise and
flickering at the same time. However, reducing the control
frequency too much may deteriorate the heat characteristics of the
heating element, and thus the frequency may be determined to
minimize the effects to the heat characteristics. Especially, a
lower limit for the frequency may be proposed so as not to affect
the FPOT. That is, the control may be performed within a range
between the lower limit and 30 Hz of the system.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
a fuser according to an embodiment. More specifically, a fuser 300'
according to the embodiment includes a fuser 110' having a
plurality of heating elements 111'.
Referring to FIG. 7, the fuser 300' according to the embodiment
includes a fuser 110', input 210, circuit 220, temperature sensor
230, fuser controller 240, electricity transmitter 250, and
harmonic inductor 260.
The fuser 110' is provided with a plurality of heating elements
111', including first heating element 112-1 and second heating
element 112-2 configured to receive power transmitted through the
inductor 260.
The first heating element 112-1 is a heating element arranged at
the center of a heating roller. The first heating element 112-1 may
consume 700 w of power.
The second heating element 112-2 is a heating element arranged at
both sides of the first heating element 112-1. The second heating
element 112-2 may consume 600 w of power.
The fuser 110' is provided with a plurality of heating elements
112-1 and 112-2, and thus the electricity switch 223 may switch the
power being provided to each of the plurality of heating elements
using a plurality of switching elements.
The fuser controller 240 may determine the heating element to be
used in a fusing process. More specifically, the fuser controller
240 may receive information on printing paper from the controller
170 of the image forming apparatus 100, and determine to use only
the first heating element 112-1 or the first heating element 112-1
and second heating element 112-2 at the same time depending on the
received information on printing paper.
For example, in response to the received information on printing
paper being less than a predetermined paper size, the fuser
controller 240 may determine to use only the first heating element
112-1, and perform a control on driving the first heating element
112-1. However, in response to the received information on printing
paper being above the predetermined paper size, the fuser
controller 240 may perform a control on driving both the first
heating element 112-1 and second heating element 112-2. Herein, a
same control method or a different control method may be used to
each of the first heating element 112-1 and the second heating
element 112-2. Specific control methods were explained hereinabove
with reference to FIG. 3, and thus repeated explanation will be
omitted.
Meanwhile, when the operational state of the image forming
apparatus 100 is at a waiting mode or preparation mode, it is
unknown with which printing paper the printing operation will be
performed, and thus the fuser controller 240 may control such that
power is provided to both the first heating element 112-1 and
second heating element 112-2.
Configurations of the input 210, circuit 220, temperature sensor
230, electricity transmitter 250, and harmonic inductor 260 are the
same as in FIG. 3, and thus repeated explanation will be
omitted.
As aforementioned, even when using a fuser consuming a lot of
power, the fuser 300' according to the present embodiment does not
provide a predetermined phase that consumes a lot of power to a
plurality of heating elements, thereby preventing flickering.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of
a fuser according to an embodiment. More specifically, the fuser
300'' according to the embodiment is provided with a fuser 110'
having a plurality of heating elements, and a plurality of
switching elements capable of changing the arrangement of the
plurality of heating elements.
Referring to FIG. 8, the fuser 300'' may include a fuser 110',
input 210, zero cross detector 221, fuser controller 240, inductor
260, and a plurality of switching elements 271, 272, 273, and
274.
The fuser 110' is provided with a plurality of heating elements
112-1, 112-2 configured to receive power transmitted through the
inductor 260.
The first heating element 112-1 is a heating element arranged at a
center of a heating roller. The first heating element 112-1 may
consume 700 w of power.
The second heating element 112-2 is a heating element arranged at
both sides of the first heating element 112-1. The second heating
element 112-2 may consume 600 w of power.
The first heating element 112-1 and second heating element 112-2
may be connected in series or in parallel regarding the AC power by
the plurality of switching elements 271, 272, 273, and 274.
The first switching element 271 is arranged between the inductor
260 and first heating element 112-1, and the first switching
element 271 may selectively provide external AC to the first
heating element 112-1. More specifically, a first end of the first
switching element 271 may be connected to a first end of the
inductor 260, and second end of the first switching element 271 may
be connected to a first end of the first heating element 112-1.
The second switching element 272 is arranged between the inductor
260 and second heating element 112-2, and the second switching
element 272 may selectively provide external AC to the second
heating element 112-2. More specifically, a first end of the second
switching element 272 may be connected to the first end of the
inductor 260, and a second end of the second switching element 272
may be connected to a first end of the second heating element
112-2.
The third switching element 273 may selectively connect a second
end of the first heating element 112-1 and a second end of the
second heating element 112-2.
The fourth switching element 274 may selectively connect the second
end of the first heating element 112-1 with the first end of the
second heating element 112-2.
The input 210 may receive AC power from outside, and provide the
received AC power to the inductor 260 and zero cross sensor
221.
The zero cross sensor 221 senses a zero cross point of the received
AC power. Detailed configuration and operations of the zero cross
sensor 221 were explained hereinabove with reference to FIG. 3, and
thus repeated explanation will be omitted.
The fuser controller 240 changes the operational state of the
plurality of switching elements 271, 272, 273, and 274 according to
the operational state of the image forming apparatus 100. More
specifically, in response to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus 100 being at a preparation state or waiting
state, a turn-off signal may be applied to the second switching
element 272 and third switching element 273, and a turn-on signal
may be applied to the fourth switching element 274 so that the
first heating element 112-1 and second heating element 112-2 are
connected in series. Furthermore, a driving signal may be applied
to the first switching element 271.
Meanwhile, in response to the operational state of the image
forming apparatus 100 being at a printing state, a turn-on signal
may be applied to the third switching element 273, a turn-off
signal may be applied to the fourth switching element 274, and a
driving signal may be applied to each of the first switching
element 271 and second switching element 272. Herein, a same or
different signal may be provided to the first switching element 271
and second switching element 272.
Furthermore, the fuser controller 240 may perform a waveform number
control using the sensed zero cross point and temperature of the
fuser 110', and provide a driving signal according to the waveform
number control to the first switching element 271 or to the first
switching element 271 and second switching element 272.
As aforementioned, at a preparation state, the fuser 300''
according to the present embodiment may connect the first heating
element and second element in series, and reduce a through-current
by an increase of resistance value. Accordingly, the fuser 300''
may supply power by a waveform number control, and accordingly
sensitive noise will not occur.
FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram of power being supplied to a fuser of
a fuser according to an embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 9 (part
a) is a waveform diagram of power being input in the case where a
plurality of heating elements are connected in parallel, and FIG. 9
(part b) is a waveform diagram of power being input in the case
where a plurality of heating elements are connected in series.
Referring to FIG. 9 (part a) and 9 (part b), it can be seen that
when the first heating element and second heating element are
connected in series, the through-current of the fuser is
reduced.
Because it is possible to reduce the through-current of the fuser
110' by changing the connection state of the heating elements as
aforementioned, it is possible to use a waveform number control at
a preparation state of the image forming apparatus 100 as well, and
accordingly sensitive noise will be significantly reduced.
FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a configuration of a fuser according
to an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 10, the fuser 300''' according to the embodiment
includes a fuser 110, input 210, zero cross detector 221, fuser
controller 240, inductor 260, rectifier 290, and switch 275.
The fuser 110 is provided with a heating element 112 for receiving
power transmitted through the inductor 260.
The input 210 receives external AC power, and provides the received
AC power to the inductor 260 and zero cross sensor 221.
One end of the inductor 260 is connected to one end of the input
210, and another end of the inductor 260 is connected to the
rectifier 290.
The rectifier 290 rectifies the AC power transmitted through the
inductor 260. Such a rectifier 290 may be a bridge diode
rectifier.
The switch 275 may provide the fuser 110 with the AC power
selectively rectified according to a control by the fuser
controller 240. The fuser 300''' according to the embodiment
rectifies the external AC power and uses the same, and thus the
fuser 300''' may perform a switching operation using a field-effect
transistor rather than a current element.
Operations of the zero cross sensor 221 and fuser controller 240
are the same as in FIG. 3, and thus repeated explanation will be
omitted.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling
operations of a fuser according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
The temperature of the fuser is sensed (operation S1110). More
specifically, the temperature of the fuser may be sensed through a
temperature sensor arranged inside the fuser.
A driving signal is generated (operation S1120). More specifically,
a control method may be determined according to the operational
state of the image forming apparatus 100 and whether or not the
arrangement of the plurality of heating elements may be changed,
and a driving signal may be generated according to the determined
control method and the sensed temperature. For example, in the case
where the arrangement of the plurality of heating elements may be
changed in a series format, in response to the operational state of
the image forming apparatus 100 being at a preparation state, it is
possible to maintain the arrangement of the heating element in
series and generate a driving signal according to a waveform number
control. Furthermore, in response to the operational state of the
image forming apparatus 100 being at a printing state, it is
possible to change the arrangement of the heating element in a
parallel state, and perform a waveform number or phase control and
generate a driving signal.
Meanwhile, in the case where the arrangement of the heating element
cannot be changed, in response to the operational state of the
image forming apparatus 100 being at a preparation state and the
temperature of the heating element being below a predetermined
temperature, it is possible to generate a driving signal according
to a phase control of avoiding a predetermined phase. Furthermore,
in response to the operational state of the image forming apparatus
100 being at a printing state or the temperature of the fuser being
below the predetermined temperature, it is possible to perform a
phase control or waveform number control of supplying power in all
phases and generate a driving signal.
AC power is selectively provided to a heating element (operation
S1130). More specifically, a driving signal may be applied to a
switching element so that AC power is selectively provided to the
heating element. However, alternatively, AC power may be primarily
rectified, and the rectified AC power may be provided to the
heating element.
Therefore, a driving control method of a fuser according to the
embodiment is capable of not providing a predetermined phase to the
heating element at a preparation state that consumes a lot of
power, and reducing the through-current being introduced into the
heating element by connecting the plurality of heating elements in
parallel, thereby preventing flickering and preventing noise from
occurring in the inductor. The driving control method such as that
illustrated in FIG. 11 may be implemented on an image forming
apparatus having the configuration of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, or may be
implemented on a fuser having a configuration of FIG. 3, FIG. 7,
FIG. 8, or FIG. 10, or on an image forming apparatus or fuser
having other configurations.
Furthermore, the aforementioned driving control method may be
realized as at least one implementation program for implementing
the aforementioned driving control method, and such an
implementation program may be stored in a computer readable record
medium.
Therefore, each block of the present disclosure may be implemented
as a computer recordable code on a computer readable record medium.
The computer readable record medium may be a device that stores
data readable by a computer system.
The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely
exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present
disclosure. The present teaching can be readily applied to other
types of apparatuses. Also, the description of the exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to be
illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *